JCCs of Greater Philadelphia

The Gershman Y, a branch of the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Philadelphia, has graced the corner of Broad and Pine Streets for over 80 years. Our mission is to serve as a dynamic regional center for arts and culture, retaining a commitment to Jewish culture and identity while appealing to a diverse audience through wide-ranging programming. The Gershman Y is located in the cultural heart of Center City, Philadelphia on the Avenue of the Arts.

The Gershman Y can trace its origins back to the Young Men's Hebrew Association (YMHA) that was originally formed in 1875 to serve as a cultural, educational and social meeting place for the Jewish community.

In 1924, the YMHA merged with the newly formed Young Women's Hebrew Society - soon to be known as the Young Women's Hebrew Association (YWHA) - and moved to Broad and Pine Streets as the YM and YWHA. The Y, as it was called throughout the community, quickly became the destination for experiencing a rich array of arts, cultural, educational and social programs. In addition, the Y boasted a health and fitness center, complete with an Olympic-size pool and a fully accredited nursery school.

The tradition of enriching the cultural life of the community continued throughout the years and came into full bloom with the formation of the YM-YWHA Arts Council in 1958. The Arts Council brought the avant-garde cultural scene to Philadelphia, introducing the works of Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg and Roy Lichtenstein to Philadelphia audiences before they became household names; presenting the poetry of E.E. Cummings and Lawrence Ferlinghetti and hosting such illustrious dance troupes as the Martha Graham Company. Long before there was an Avenue of the Arts, there was the Y.

In 1985 Joel Gershman and Elaine Levitt Gershman dedicated the building at Broad and Pine Streets in honor of Joel's parents, Charles and Elizabeth Gershman. Today, as in 1924, The Gershman Y continues to be a cultural beacon for the Greater Philadelphia community. The Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, which is entering its 27th season, continues to expand. A variety of lecture series provide intellectual stimulation, an array of classes provides participants with opportunities for personal growth and expression, and special events and performances entertain our audiences. The Gershman Y houses The Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in the Rose and Adolph Levis Museum, The Borowsky Art Gallery and The Open Lens Photography Gallery.

The University of The Arts purchased the Broad and Pine building in October of 2000 and a cultural and educational union was formed - further positioning The Y as an arts, cultural and educational destination for all ages.

The Gershman Y is the Center City Arts and Cultural Branch of the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Philadelphia, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.